“Accolades abound for Dr. Lombardi and his outstanding professional accomplishments,” said ODU President Peter Cimbolic, Ph.D. “His exceptional skill, vision, creativity, and energy constitute an unusual thread that weaves its way through his work, his dedicated volunteer service, and his strong faith. We are honored to have him address our graduates, and to present him with an honorary degree.” More than 220 graduates are scheduled to walk on Saturday.

Dr. Lombardi is President of Joint Implant Surgeons, an orthopedic surgery practice specializing in total hip and knee replacement surgeries with a commitment to orthopedic research. His vision for a physician-owned musculoskeletal specialty hospital spurred the development of New Albany Surgical Hospital, which opened in 2003 and is part of the Mount Carmel Health Systems.

Dr. Lombardi holds a B.S. in Biology from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia and an M.D. from Temple University, Philadelphia. He received postgraduate training in general surgery at Temple University and in orthopaedics at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia. He completed Fellowships of the Hip and Knee with Thomas H. Mallory, M.D. in Columbus and the National Hospital for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation in Arlington, Virginia.

He is a professor in the Departments of Orthopaedics and Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University. He has authored textbook chapters and journal articles; lectured at hundreds of meetings around the world; and hosted countless visiting national and international surgeons to observe his surgery and practice. His special interests in less invasive surgery and rapid rehabilitation are on the cutting edge of his field.

Those living in poverty and hopelessness are touched by Dr. Lombardi’s compassion and generosity. He devotes time each year to medical missionary work, traveling to Guatemala, and Nicaragua to conduct surgeries for the poor. Earlier this year, with the assistance of the Mount Carmel Foundation, he launched Operation Joint Implant in Central Ohio, a free implant surgery program serving those who cannot afford surgery or do not have health insurance. As President of the Hip Society, he founded Operation Walk USA, engaging fellow orthopaedic surgeons across the country to provide free surgeries for those of limited financial means.

Dr. Lombardi and his wife, Anne, a graduate of Ohio Dominican and Associate Director of Counseling at the University, participate in the life of the community through sharing of treasure too. Their generous planned gift funded the creation of the Wellness Center at Ohio Dominican and they have been instrumental in the University’s Black and Gold Club which raises funds for ODU athletic programs. They have chaired the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, involving countless hours of visiting parishes and groups all over the Diocese. Their interests extend into various facets of community life where they devote their time and their philanthropy to the arts, healthcare, education, Catholic endeavors.